Senate requires military recruiters access to public senior high schools; excludes private voucher schools

The Tennessee Senate approved a bill requiring public senior high schools to provide access to military recruiting representatives during specified times.

Senate Bill 713, as amended by the Education Committee, passed on third and final consideration by a vote of 28-3. The Education Committee amendment requires public senior high schools to permit military recruiting representatives access once a month during the student lunch period and once every other month for additional follow-up visits.

Sponsor Senator Page Taylor said the measure addresses instances where some schools "were not allowing the recruiters access to the students," and that a state requirement ensures uniform access across public schools. "Up until now, without the requirement, there were some students who did not have access to those military recruiters," Taylor said on the floor.

Leader Ackbary asked whether there is leeway for recruiters who cannot attend a scheduled month and whether there are penalties; Senator Taylor said his understanding is there would be no penalty for an individual recruiter failing to attend. During questioning, Senator Taylor confirmed the bill applies only to public senior high schools and does not apply to private schools or voucher-funded private schools, a point he made in response to a question from Chairman Bridal.

The clerk recorded the vote: Ayes 28, Nays 3. The presiding officer declared the bill passed.

Votes at a glance: Senate Bill 713 — Vote: Aye 28, Nay 3; outcome: passed.